St. Nicholas (Volume 46 Part 1)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1922 Excerpt: ...was to steal our chocolate. The Hippo emitted an outraged roar. But even before Tom could beg for mercy, the Humming-bird came hopping across the room. Hold him till I get the pitcher. Don't drown me! begged Tom; this is my best suit. It won't be, prophesied the Bird, and the next moment was back, a can of chocolate in one hand, the water-pitcher in the other. Hang on while I frost him, he ordered. Jackson begged in vain. Half a pitcher of water was sloshed over his head, then the powdered chocolate sprinkled into his wet hair. The Bird's expert knuckles completed the disaster. Throw him out! he ordered. Oh, Williams! Come get your birthdaycake. And say, Tom, pick on some easy combination next time. Shut the door, Hip. Again the Hippo obeyed. He nearly got you that time, he observed as he sat down. Suredid! Thought you were about due, though. Sometime that crowd will learn to leave us alone. Did Cam waste all his temper on me, or did the rest of you suffer after I was fired? The Hippo snorted. He fairly roasted me. Means well, owned the Bird; full of school spirit and all that sort of stuff you read about. Gave you a raw deal. For an instant his room-mate's face clouded, then the old grin returned. Used to it, he said. Never made a school team yet; should n't have got my hopes up now. It was you or me, anyway. So long as one of us gets the place, what's the dif? You 've more speed, grumbled the Hippo. I don't want to play, anyway. Say! he exclaimed, suddenly experiencing an inspiration, we '11 fool Cam. I '11 quit playing, then he '11 have to pu...